SMU Treasurer Liz Williams to retire in 2008

Liz Williams, SMU Treasurer, has announced her retirement from the University after 19 years of executive service. Williams served as University Treasurer for 9 years, after 10 years as Vice President for Business and Finance and Treasurer. She will continue to serve as treasurer until her successor is named sometime before the end of 2008.

In a letter to the SMU community, President R. Gerald Turner wrote, “For almost 20 years, Liz Williams has deftly overseen the financial well being of SMU, helping steer the University to the strongest fiscal period in its history…. Now, Liz will soon retire to spend more time with her grandchildren and on various charitable pursuits.

“While we wish her all the best and know that she will enjoy seeing more of her family, we will miss her devoted service to SMU. As treasurer, she has been responsible for managing SMU’s endowment and planned giving assets. Since she came to the University in 1989, SMU’s endowment has grown from $351 million to $1.4 billion – a testament certainly to our fundraising efforts but also to Liz’s smart stewardship.

“Previously, as vice president for business and finance/treasurer, Liz oversaw all fiscal operations, treasury functions, human resource management, information technology services, most auxiliary and business services, and physical plant operations and management. Her institutional knowledge is vast, and I’m grateful she has agreed to stay on through the hiring of a new treasurer.

“This fall at a farewell event, we’ll have a chance to thank Liz for her service. In the meantime, please join me in congratulating her on a job well done and in wishing her well in the years ahead.”